no apology necessary! I have never welded aluminum myself, you would know better than I. I was just curious and looking into it. Plan to teach myself when I get some time with the MIG. Probably come to you and Milt Becker (Zeke) asking a bunch of stupid questions
I was also trying to figure out basic metallurgy to see if it would make more sense to use acid or a caustic soda to oxidize the aluminum and turn it dark gray (to look more like Magnesium). Seems like caustic soda is a better bet.
cheers